African Americans have been apart of theatre since the 1700s. However, back then, it was slave who were force to sing and dance. Though in the past years, African Americans have been gaining more and more recognition. Black actors and writers have been winning more awards. African Americans were mocked by whites during the 1800s when they made caricatures of black people. But still, African Americans persisted and continued to write.
Their theatre flourished during the Harlem Renaissance when their life burst with even more different culture and music. The 50s and 60s had many all black shows however the rise of tv crippled the theatre. By the end of the 70's, african american theatre had gone through many changes. Though, the 70s had proven to be a more popular time for black musicals. Black theatre in america often had to be, and still is, self supported and community supported. Black performers are still trying to find their identities both on and off the stage. However, as long a white producers shape plays about black experience, black theatre will never rise up.
Their theatre flourished during the Harlem Renaissance when their life burst with even more different culture and music. The 50s and 60s had many all black shows however the rise of tv crippled the theatre. By the end of the 70's, african american theatre had gone through many changes. Though, the 70s had proven to be a more popular time for black musicals. Black theatre in america often had to be, and still is, self supported and community supported. Black performers are still trying to find their identities both on and off the stage. However, as long a white producers shape plays about black experience, black theatre will never rise up.